The beginning of March until Friday, April 8 has been deemed “Go Green, Save Gold” on Southeastern’s campus. For the duration of the six weeks, residence halls will be hosting social events. The purpose of this activity is to lower the cost and usage of energy around campus and to give the students a fun, competitive way to do it.

“‘Go Green, Save Gold’ is a contest between dorms to see which dorms can use the least amount of energy,” stated freshman English major Alyssa Alexis, a Residential Assistant of Hammond Hall.

Students can save energy by turning off the lights and air conditioner when they leave their dorms and unplugging appliances when they are not in use.

“I think this is an awesome way to leave a positive impact on our environment, and I’m really happy to be a part of it.” said Alexis.

An e-mail was also sent out to the students around campus giving them a chart showing them where all of the resident halls are on the list for the energy saving competition. So far, the most energy being used is by Tangipahoa Hall, and the least is St. Tammany

“The competition seems like a real challenge,” said Alexa Brown, a sophomore biology major. “I stay in Hammond Hall, and we haven’t done as well as the other halls. Hopefully we’ll do better.”

Along with the chart, an energy tip of the day is given on how to keep the cost of energy down, such as to turn off the light in the trash room when you are finished and remembering not to leave the water running for a long time before you get in the shower.

At the end of the six weeks, University Housing will have their event called the Lights Out Extravaganza where they will announce the hall that saved the most energy. Lights Out will be held on Wednesday, March 30, from 8-10 p.m. and will be a party outside encouraging people to turn off everything and enjoy the great outdoors while conserving energy as well.

Residents and students will find out more about this program in the near future through campus e-mail or they can feel free to stop by the housing office located in Pride Hall. For updates on “Go Green, Save Gold,” students can also ask their residential assistant. Contact the Housing Office at 985-549-2118.